Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday raised concerns over unsafe and overcrowded PG accommodations after a building collapsed in Delhi's Satya Niketan, with reports suggesting that several Delhi University students were trapped under the debris.

Calling the incident heartbreaking and alarming, Rahul Gandhi said the tragedy had once again brought attention to the conditions in which students are forced to live due to inadequate hostel facilities.

“Students' lives were already filled with struggles—now the situation has turned life-threatening,” Gandhi said, pointing to the lack of adequate hostels in colleges and universities.

He said students were often compelled to stay in PG accommodations, with dozens of people living under one roof in what he described as inhumane conditions.

Gandhi appealed to the NDRF, Delhi Fire Service and other rescue teams to make every possible effort to reach those trapped and ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured.

He also said Congress and NSUI workers were present at the site and ready to assist victims and their families.

Kharge calls tragedy 'avoidable'

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed concern over reports of DU students being trapped beneath the debris, describing the collapse as a “deeply distressing and avoidable tragedy”.

Kharge said the incident had exposed the unsafe and overcrowded PG accommodations that students are often forced to live in because of inadequate hostel facilities.

“Students come to Delhi to build their future, not risk their lives for a roof over their heads,” he said, adding that every student's life was precious.

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Delhi CM reaches site as rescue operation continues

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also posted about the situation on X after learning about the incident and later arrived at the site of the building collapse in Satya Niketan.

According to Delhi Police, the structure was a 40-50-year-old building comprising a basement and five upper floors and was being used as a PG accommodation.

Police said repair work was underway in the basement when the building collapsed.

So far, six people have been rescued and shifted to hospitals, while search and rescue operations are continuing.

The incident has brought renewed focus on the safety of PG accommodations in areas around Delhi University, where students often rely on privately run housing.

FIR against building owner

South Delhi BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said the government had formed a committee to investigate the incident and assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible.

He said an FIR had been registered against the owner of the building and added that the owner may have also been arrested.

Calling the collapse unfortunate, Bidhuri said the building was old and stressed the need for strict measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Rescue teams continued efforts at the site as authorities worked to locate and safely bring out anyone who may still be trapped beneath the debris.